Team Brazil launches

Ronaldo and Fittipaldi launch A1 Team Brazil

São Paulo, 29 June - At a lavish ceremony in São Paulo today, three-times FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo and two times F1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi unveiled A1 Team Brazil's entry to the World Cup of Motorsport in the iconic green and gold colours of the Brazilian flag.

Ronaldo has bought into the A1 Grand Prix series bringing with him a potential 182 million fans through securing the involvement of the world's sixth largest country.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ronaldo said: 'Like soccer, A1GP is a team sport. In soccer, we have already won the World Cup five times and it would be wonderful to win the first motor racing world cup as well. The participation of Emerson who has two F1 world titles and two Indy 500 victories to his name as well as an unquestionable level of technical knowledge, is justified by our common goal to put Brazil in an atmosphere of technological innovation and high dose adrenaline.'

Emerson Fittipaldi also spoke of his excitement at being involved in A1: 'The concept of A1 Grand Prix is fantastic. This category gives the edge to the driver as all the cars are identical. Brazilian fans will be able to support our Team in the same way they support the national soccer team. Our project will create the conditions for young drivers to stand out in world motorsport.'

A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum went on to say: 'Brazil has produced some of the greatest legends that both football and motorsport have ever seen and I am delighted to have the opportunity to unite these sports through A1. The Brazilian people are known world-wide for their passion in both arenas and I am sure they will support their national A1 team with the same enthusiasm. Through A1 Grand Prix, the 182 million strong population of Brazil will have the same level of access to motorsport that they currently enjoy with football. The format of A1 Grand Prix, with points going to Nations and not drivers, will allow a multitude of young people to shine on the international stage. If you have the passion and the talent to compete, A1 Grand Prix will make it happen.'

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